Hiring and Sponsoring Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale (SOC Code 7132)

Sales Supervisors, classified under SOC Code 7132, are pivotal leaders in the retail and wholesale sectors who oversee and coordinate the activities of sales personnel. Their role includes:

• Supervision and Coordination: Directly supervises sales teams to ensure optimal performance and adherence to company policies.
• Scheduling: Establishes and monitors work schedules to meet sales and productivity targets efficiently.
• Problem Resolution: Liaises with managers and other departments to address operational challenges and enhance productivity.
• Resource Management: Determines or recommends staffing needs and resources essential to meet sales objectives.
• Reporting: Provides regular reports to managerial staff regarding departmental activities and performance metrics.

Given the dynamic nature of the retail and wholesale landscape, there is an ongoing demand for skilled sales supervisors, creating opportunities for businesses to attract talent locally and from abroad. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the complexities of hiring and sponsoring sales supervisors under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale?

SOC Code 7132 refers to sales supervisors in retail and wholesale, responsible for managing sales teams and ensuring effective operations. Their responsibilities can include:

• Supervising sales staff: Overseeing the daily activities of sales representatives and other related personnel.
• Coordinating work schedules: Establishing and monitoring schedules to achieve sales and productivity targets.
• Liaising with departments: Collaborating with managers and other departments to address and resolve operational issues.
• Staffing recommendations: Assessing staffing needs and making recommendations to optimize team performance in relation to sales goals.
• Reporting activities: Providing updates and reports to managerial staff regarding departmental performance and activities.

Sales supervisors play a vital role in driving sales performance, enhancing team effectiveness, and supporting the overall objectives of retail and wholesale businesses.

Eligibility to Hire Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Sales supervisors in retail and wholesale must possess the necessary skills and experience to effectively manage sales teams and meet organizational goals. The following qualifications are required:

• Experience in Sales: Proven background in sales roles, preferably within retail or wholesale industries.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and supervise a team to achieve sales and productivity targets.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with staff, management, and other departments effectively.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Experience in resolving operational issues promptly and efficiently to minimize disruptions in sales activities.
• Schedule Management: Ability to establish and monitor work schedules that align with sales goals and staffing needs.
• Reporting Skills: Competence in reporting departmental activities and performance metrics to senior management to inform decision-making.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 7132 and that the supervisor's experience and capabilities fulfill the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale under SOC Code 7132.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale

Before the Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Sales supervisors - retail and wholesales.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale

Sponsoring Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale under SOC Code 7132 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Sales supervisors - retail and wholesale under SOC Code 7132 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.